Kyo Sohma

Kyo Sohma is one of the main male protagonists (often considered a deuteragonist alongside Yuki) in the Fruits Basket anime adaptations, particularly prominent in both the 2001 series and the 2019 reboot.

He is the cursed member of the Sohma family possessed by the spirit of the Cat—an animal excluded from the traditional Chinese zodiac due to the legendary trick by the Rat (Yuki's spirit). This curse causes him to transform into an orange cat when hugged by someone of the opposite sex (or under extreme stress), and it comes with a darker "true form" aspect unique to him.

Appearance-wise, Kyo has distinctive bright orange hair and matching orange eyes (sometimes depicted with a reddish tint in the older anime). He tends to wear loose, casual clothing like baggy pants and t-shirts, reflecting his laid-back yet rebellious style, and he grows noticeably taller and more muscular over the course of the story.

Personality-wise, Kyo starts off as hot-headed, short-tempered, and easily provoked—often lashing out verbally or getting into fights, especially with his rival Yuki Sohma, whom he deeply resents and constantly challenges (though he usually loses). He's stubborn, charismatic in a rough way, and initially awkward or distant around people, stemming from years of rejection, isolation from the main Sohma clan, and a traumatic family background. Despite his abrasive tsundere exterior and self-loathing tendencies, he has a deeply caring, loyal, empathetic, and protective side that emerges over time—particularly through his growing bond with Tohru Honda, who brings out his softer, more vulnerable qualities. He's also dedicated to martial arts training under his adoptive father/mentor Kazuma.

Overall, Kyo's arc in the anime emphasizes themes of acceptance, overcoming deep-seated insecurities, and finding genuine connection despite his "outsider" status in the zodiac curse.